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🇳🇵 Nepal /Elections & Politics

Nepal's old guard forced inward by new party's rise

From Kathmandu Post · (1d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nepal's traditional political parties are undergoing introspection and restructuring following the rise of the new Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
  • The Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Nepali Communist Party saw significant seat reductions in the recent parliamentary elections, prompting a focus on organizational reform and leadership change.
  • The Nepali Congress is initiating a membership expansion and renewal campaign, alongside provincial review meetings, to strengthen its grassroots base and prepare for its 15th general convention.

The recent parliamentary elections have undeniably shaken Nepal's political establishment, signaling a significant shift in voter preference. The emergence of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has not just disrupted the dominance of long-standing parties like the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, but has forced them into a period of deep introspection and, for some, a struggle for relevance. This electoral wave, while perhaps not permanent as some analysts suggest, has certainly triggered crucial debates about organizational reform and the need for generational leadership change within these traditional powerhouses.

Electoral waves are not permanent. The Congress will remain the RSP’s main rival, and other left forces will continue to have a presence.

— Lok Raj BaralA political science professor commenting on the long-term relevance of traditional parties despite electoral shocks.

For the Nepali Congress, the situation is particularly stark. Reduced to a weakened opposition, the party is now grappling with internal disputes and the urgent need to rebuild its foundation. The Supreme Court's recent decision to recognize a faction supporting a special general convention offers a path forward for organizational rebuilding. The party's focus now shifts to strengthening its base through review meetings and a nationwide campaign to revitalize its membership, aiming to reconnect with the grassroots after a disappointing electoral performance. This internal overhaul is critical for its survival and future competitiveness.

Under Gagan Thapa’s leadership, the Congress appears to be on a path of transformation.

— Lok Raj BaralA political science professor observing potential changes within the Nepali Congress.

The smaller left parties, too, face an existential challenge. Without significant reforms in their organization, leadership, and policies, they risk fading into irrelevance. The current political climate demands adaptation and a renewed approach to policy and governance. While the RSP's rise has been meteoric, the enduring nature of Nepal's multiparty system suggests that established parties, if they can successfully reform, will continue to play a role. The coming local and provincial elections will be a key test of their ability to adapt and regain voter trust.

Left parties, too, cannot avoid reforming their organisation, leadership and policies. Without that, their very existence could be at risk.

— Lok Raj BaralA political science professor highlighting the need for reform among left-wing parties in Nepal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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